About Us

Center for Development Services (CDS) is an entrepreneurial development business venture that works toward building vibrant societies and prosperous economies wherever we operate. We have offices in Egypt, Jordan, and Greece through which we collaborate with a wide range of partners and clients to mobilize technical and financial resources for planning and undertaking development endeavors in diverse settings and countries.

We identify practical and creative solutions for development-related challenges, and build mechanisms to allow people and organizations to effectively use resources in improving standards of living, human and organizational capabilities, health, and environment that bring about a better future. Through consulting, research, and cross-sector collaboration, CDS leverages its expertise in natural resources and environment, health management and research, human capital and partnership development to guide communities and organizations towards sustainable development.

Our Mission

To empower organizations and communities with the knowledge, tools, and strategies required to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.

Our Vision

To be the premier partner for developmental excellence, recognized globally for integrity, innovation, and measurable social impact.

Our Core Values

These principles guide every intervention, consultation, and partnership we undertake.

Inclusivity

Upholding the highest ethical standards in every engagement, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Integrity

Upholding the highest ethical standards in all our professional engagements.

Innovation

Continuously seeking creative solutions to complex developmental challenges.

Continuous Improvement

Fostering a culture of ongoing learning and personal development to consistently elevate our capabilities.

Areas of Work

For over 35 years, CDS has been at the forefront of sustainable development, driving impactful initiatives across health, advocacy and policy, urban community development, youth participation, gender equality, and environmental management and climate adaptation. Our work is rooted in a holistic, people-centered approach that empowers communities, amplifies voices, and fosters resilience. From shaping health policies and advancing gender equality to promoting youth engagement and climate adaptation strategies, we have consistently pioneered innovative solutions that create lasting social change. Through strategic partnerships and evidence-based interventions, we continue to shape policies and programs that enhance livelihoods, well-being, and social equity across Egypt and the region.

Our Journey

1990
Idea to create a structure/mechanism to support development endeavors was found interesting and funded to start up the Center for Development Services
1994
Introduced Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) to the Middle East
2000
Expanded its scale of operations and establishes a number of regional projects in Jordan, Lebanon, Sudan and Yemen
2005
Awarded the implementation of the first Egyptian Private Sector Foundational funding project to develop Nursing Schools and Education in Aswan, Egypt
2006
Re-launched as the first employee-owned shareholding company in Egypt and the MiddleEast
2012
Regional office based in Amman, Jordan established
2015
Celebrated 25 years of development workin Egypt and the MiddleEast
2018
Establishment of the European Center for Development Services (ECDS) in Athens, Greece.
2019
Acquiring CDS’ first self-owned office premises
2020
Multiple contingency measures to steer through the Covid-19 pandemic
2021
Expansion in CDS' youth and SRHR programs
2022
Engaging in climate change adaptation projects.
2023
Exploring ESG initiatives
2024
Implementing ESG initiatives at the workplace
2025
Accelerating Digital Transformation and Integrating AI within community engagement strategies